2013 Chevrolet Equinox — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2013 Chevrolet Equinox

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $17,755–$23,487
Fuel Economy 17 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $3,088/yr

Key Specifications — 2013 Chevrolet Equinox

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$17,755–$23,487

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox

With an overall Carivo score of 6.7/10, the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.7/10, while Performance at 5.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.6/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.7/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 5.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.3/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $17,755–$23,487, 17 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Equinox sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. Value lands at 7.1/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability and technology and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox ranks #2273 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 7% of the segment. Its 6.7/10 overall score is 0.7 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $17,755 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 51%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Equinox Year Should You Buy?

Across the Equinox model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.7/10$31,415 Read review →
2025 7.7/10$31,415 Read review →
2024 7.7/10$30,500 Read review →
2023 7.6/10$29,585 Read review →
2022 7.5/10$28,670 Read review →
2021 7.5/10$27,755 Read review →
2020 7.4/10$26,840 Read review →
2019 7.3/10$25,925 Read review →
2018 7.3/10$25,010 Read review →
2017 7.3/10$24,095 Read review →
2016 7.2/10$23,180 Read review →
2015 7.2/10$22,265 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2013 Chevrolet Equinox

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
  • Fuel economy at 17 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2013 Chevrolet Equinox (2 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Visibility / Windshield wiper/washer / Motor
04/08/2016 · 16V582000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode and wear over time, possibly resulting in one or both of the…
Electrical system / Ignition
05/07/2016 · 16V502000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore,…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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